Confection dispensing and container covering apparatus



H. w. GRAU 2,520,242

CONFECTION DISPENSING AND CONTAINER COVERING APPARATUS Aug. 29, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 21, '1944 INVENTOR.

Aug. 29, 1950 H. w. GRAU 2,520,242

CONFECTION DISPENSING AND CONTAINER COVERING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 21, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 F/g. 2/. 460 5;. 2a

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IN VEN TOR.

Aug. 29, 1950 I H. w. GRAU 2,520,242

CONFECTION DISPENSING AND CONTAINER COVERING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 21, 1944 a Sheets-Sheet s IN V EN TOR.

BY Hem) W 5924a M 7204.

Patented Aug. 29, 1950 UNITED STATES ?ATENT OFFICE CONFE'CTION DISPENSING AND CONTAINER COVERING APPARATUS 12 Claims.

The invention relates to new and useful improvements in confection dispensing and container cover applying apparatus.

An important object of my invention is the provision of a device adapted to fill fibre containers with-ice cream orother 'semiliquid material, and also adapted for the disposing and seating of covers upon the containers. It will be observed that the present application incorporates improvements and new features over those disclosed in my Patent #2,278,923, issued April '7, 1942.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a confection dispensing apparatus wherein an empty receptacle is manually disposed below the discharge orifice of a dispensing hopper, and a filled'receptacle is positioned-below a cover applying mechanism operated in conjunction with the dispensing apparatus so that one of the receptacles may be filled and the other capped by a single operating cycle of the device.

Another object of my invention is the provision for the interchange of dimensional set-ups for operating with different sizes and types of containers and covers. provision of means for synchronizing actions of the cover applying mechanism, the dispensing mechanism, and the movement of a foot pedal, in relation to the quantity dispensed.

Another object of my invention is an improvement in the valve mechanism over that shown in my prior Patent #2278323.

Still another objectof my invention is to pro vide a machine for filling containers by means of a dispensing pump, and disposing and seating covers upon containers by the actions of a foot pedal assembly by which one container is filled and a cover is seated uponanother container by the downward movement of the foot pedal, and in which, the dispensing pump is recharged and a cover is disposed in position for capping or seating by the return movement of the foot pedal.

Another object of my invention is to Provide a machine to perform the purposes set forth with energy supplied by a reciprocating foot pedalactuated rod assembly, the assembly being supplied with a reciprocating force especially .designed .for the needs of the reciprocating movement.

Other objects of the invention, which includes the provision of a novel structural design and the use of materials permitting light weight reciprocating parts, as well as the utilizing of standard dimensional material stocks, will be apparcut during the following description .and claims.

A further object includes the In the drawings, forming a part of the specification, and wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Fig. 1 is a combined, elevation of the hoppercylinder assembly and a partial transverse section of the table.

Fig-2 is a vertical section :taken on line 2-4 of Fig. 5, showing disp nsing pump and valve assembly.

Fig. 3 is a top planview of the dispensing valve and supporting spring per se.

Fig. 4 is an end elevation with parts broken away of a confection filling and capping apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 5 is a top plan viewof Fig. 4 with the hope per 2 cut away, showing operating elementsof the dispensing pump and the cover disposer.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional ,VlEW :on line 6-45 of Fig. 4 showing the rollerguides.

Fig. 7 is a partial verticalsection taken on line 1-4 of Fig.,4 showin the pedal arm guide,

Fig. 8 isa side elevation of thecover disposer.

Fig. '9 is a side elevation of the cover seating plunger disc.

Fig. 10 is aside elevation of the cover seating plunger stem.

Fig. His 2. side elevation of the disc retaining spring.

Fig. 12 .a-.partia1 plan view of the cover plunger and disposer operating bracket as shown in Fig. '8.

Fig. 1.3 is a top .planview of the cover disposer.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the upper plate of the coverdisposer.

Fig. .15 is a perspective .view of the lower plate.

Fig. 16 is .a perspective view .of a cover guide finge-r.

Fig. 17 is a perspective viewof the center plate.

Fig. 18 is a perspective vview ofa cover retaining spring.

Fig. 19 is a perspective View of the "lock washer.

'Fig,..'20 is: a perspective view of a bellcrank.

Figs. '21, 22, '23 and 24 are perspective views of details of a shuttle.

Fig. 25 is a vertical section through the center of the shuttle.

Fig. 26 is an end elevationsof Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a vertical sectional view of. a container receptacle.

Fig. 28 is -.a vertical sectional view similar to Figure .27. iii-which the containers are of a larger size than thosein Figure 2'7.

Fig. 29 is a front elevation of the complete mas chine.

In the accompanying drawingswherein for the purpose of illustration, is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 89 designates a table having a flat horizontally disposed top supported by upright leg members 12. The table is adapted to support the various operating parts of my device and is, therefore, of a. height adapted to best position the operating parts within easy reach of the operator. Generally speaking the vertical supports 12 should be of sufficient length to position the table top at a level with or sli htly above the waist of the operator, and these legs are rectangular in shape so as to accommodate the supporting of operating mechanisms of the foot pedal-actuating rod assembly. The table may be constructed of any suitable material, however, light weight angle iron has been found to be highly satisfactory in that a strong table that is light in weight and readily transportable is obtained. In order that a four point contact may be had with the supporting surface, the lower ends of the supporting legs are provided with feet by turning the web portion of the cross members into knobs extending downwardly as at 13.

The invention contemplates, in part, the provision of a confection machine which fills fibre containers with a semiliquid such as ice cream, and disposes and seats covers upon the filled containers by a foot operated pedal 68, thereby permitting the operators hands to be free to handle the containers for receiving the ice cream and covers. Another purpose is to selectively control the quantity of confection dispensed as would be accommodated by various sizes of containers, this being accomplished by varying the length or movement of the actuating rod assembly.

The actuating rod assembly consists of the vertical reciprocating rod 44, to which is attached the foot pedal rod 64. These steel tubes 44 and 64 are of sufiicient strength to afiord the maximum needed stiffness with minimum weight. The foot pedal rod 64 is attached to a bracket 92, by means of the tie member 66.

- Incontemplating the operation of the machine it is evidently necessary that the actuator rod 44-42 that operates the dispensing pump, and the cover disposer and plunger, should reciprocate freely, with little friction, and little or no play or looseness of the composite rod 44-42 in its supports, so that accuracy in the qauntity dispensed, and definite movement of the cover plunger may be attained. This is accomplished by providing the actuator rod 44 with two sets of three adjustable roller guides (see Fig. 6), there being a similar lower set of roller guides (not shown) attached to the bracket 60 (see Fig. 4). The roller guides are mounted on spindles, supported by two brackets 60 and 6!, attached to the supporting legs and extending rearwardly beyond the table. These brackets 60, 6! are provided with two pairs of holes for receiving the spindles, one hole of each being oblong in shape, permitting the adjustment both laterally along the spindles and longitudinally along the brackets by the nuts on the ends of the spindles.

The pedal rod 64 extends across the full width of the table and is provided with a flat end 68 to form a treadle which projects beyond the legs in a manner to be easily accessible to the foot of the operator standing in front of the table. The guide 10 is bolted to the adjacent leg 12 and the pedal rod is received thereby in a manner to be guided in a vertical movement parallel to the actuator rod, as shown in Fig. 7.

The operating technique of a dispensing mechanism for controlling the flow of a semiliquid such as ice cream, presents several problems that must be taken into consideration for successful operation. Frequently, ice cream contains flavors having lumps of fruit or small particles of nuts or other ingredients. Also, a semiliquid has a tendency to hold a form as molded, for instance, the ice cream being expelled through the valve opening around the valve 30 (see Fig. 2) will tend to extrude in a tubular form. Experience has shown that if this should flow direct into a container, an air cavity will form within the body of the filled contents. Further, consideration must be given to design in respect to cleaning and inspecting as required by health authorities. The purport of design to this end will be shown.

The dispensing hopper-pump assembly Fig. l, is held in position by a supporting arm 8, which is provided at its outer end with a clamp 6, which connects with the lower cylindrical portion 4 of the hopper and at its inner end with a sleeve clamp In, which receives the rod l2 attached to the supporting frame formed by top and legs 72. The clamp ll may be used to set the hopper at a selected distance above the table top 80.

The hopper-pump assembly consists of a funnel shaped hopper 2 the lower end of which terminates in a depending cylindrical portion 4, having a straight circular surface through its full length and is provided with a pivoted spring stirrup 40 for clamping to the bottom of the cylinder 4, the dispensing valve assembly.

An extension rod 42, with two arms 46 and H2 horizontally extending over the table, is clamped to the actuator rod 44 by the telescopic clamp 41. The clamp 41 is formed by splitting the wall of the upper end of the actuator rod 44 and providing it with two lugs, one with a thread to receive the hand screw 49. The upper horizontal arm 46, extending over the center of the hopper is provided with a bearing 43, for receiving the piston rod 22 and the rod 22 is held in the bearing by pin 4|.

The piston rod 22, is attached to the piston through a slide bearing 24, supported by the bail 26 on the piston l4. A valve 28 is attached to the end of the piston rod, and seats upon the upper edge of the valve seat insert 20 and is operated by the action of the piston rod. The pressure of the valve 28 against the edge of the valve seat 20 offers a shearing contact which aids in separating lumpy particles found in ice cream flavors. It will be obvious that by removing the valve seat insert 20, the valve 28 and rod 22 may be removed for examination.

The lower end of the cylindrical portion 4 is provided with a cylinder head 3!, having an opening 32, the lower edge of which forms a seat for the hemispherical valve 30. This valve is suspendingly held against the seat 32 by the valve spring 34 which is retained in an annular recess in the upper face of the cylinder head 3|. The upper end of an L-shaped nozzle 36 which is fitted against the lower face of the cylinder head 3! is circular in shape which allows the confection passage around the valve 30 and the horizontal portion has a smaller diameter than that ofthe upper end so that the confection will be expelled in a solid stream after taking a tubular form when passing around the valve 30. The delivery of the confection through orifice 38 at a point removed from the center of the cylinder 4, prevents dripping caused by the condensation on the hopper, from falling into the containers.

"it will: be observed that by removin'g the plug in-the end of the nozzle 36, all inside surfaces will be visible for inspection.

Thehorizontally extending arm H2 (see Figs. 4 and 8), from the extension rod 42, is provided on its outer end with a cover seating plunger means generally indicated at III], that has a threaded holder rod I42, which fits the threaded bearing I I 3, attached tothe end of the horizontal arm H2. The stem 144' (see Fig. 9) of the plunger disc I46 is slidably received in the end of theplunger holder I42 and is retained by the retaining spring I46 which fits the groove in the top of the stem I-44 through the slot in the Wall of the plunger holder I42". This detaching feature permits the interchange of various sized plungers.

The structure of the cover positioning means disposer (see Figs. 8 and 13) includes mechanism for removing fibre discs or covers individually from the bottom of a stack held in the magazine I32, and placing them in a position over a container Ina-where they are detained.

In a manually operated apparatus it is very inrportant thatthe reciprocating parts are as light in weight as practical to assure smooth, positive movements. Also, in such apparatus, in which the operator employs his hands to manipulate'the containers to the dispensing nozzle 36, and from there to the cover disposer, it is necessary that the simultaneous operations are such that one container will be filled and another will be capped by the same movement of the actuator, and necessarily in this case by the initial or downward movement. Consequently the second or returning movement of the actuator rod must recharge the dispensing pump and simultaneously dispose a cover disc in position to be seated upon the succeeding container. A motion study of the operations described, prove this arrangement to be most desirable for ellicient operation.

A departure from the usual custom in the construction of a cover disposer is that in the usual case, castings of various weights are usually employed, necessitating considerable machining in order to obtain smooth surfaces and close dimensions, whereas instead, in the present case, the structure of the cover disposer incorporates several smooth plates, shaped and fitted by shearing,. stamping or otherwise cutting, and bolted to a base with assembly bolts. Referring to Fig. 8,'it will be noted that the three plates I06, I32, and I04 are similar in outside outline so that they will coincide when placed one upon the other. The base plate I 64 is provided with a circular opening I66 near the front end, in diameter slightly larger than a cover, and having a channel I66 (see Fig. '15), extending centrally towards'the rear end. This channel acts as a guide for a shuttle shown in Fig. 25. The spacer I02 separates the top plate I66 from the base plate I 64 and is of a thickness slightly greater than the thickness of a cover disc. When assembled, the semicircular portion I53 of the opening I62 in the front end of the plate I62 coincides with a similar portion in the opening I66 in the base plate IM and the curved portion in the rear coincides with a similar portion of the opening I56 below the cover magazine I32 and in the top plate I66. The narrow opening I60 between the rear ends'of the spacer plate" I02 'allows the passage of the shuttle plate I14. Y

The top plate assembly Fig. 14 of the cover disposer isof a thickness suflicienttoafford the needed rigidity and this is true of the baseuplatem The assembly is made of three principalparts I66, I62 and I64 welded or otherwise assembled, and has several functions. The front end of the plate is provided with an opening 16611 which isslightly smaller in diameter than the coincid-" ing opening I66 in the base plate I64, and affords a passage for the cover plunger 1:13. The edge I53 of the spacer plate I32 overlaps the opening 106 in the base plate and thus serves as a retaining flange for the cover disc. The open cylindrically shaped cover magazine I32 is attached in the opening I56 toward the rear of the top plate, and is spaced a short distance from the front opening we, so that the lower end of the magazine is flush with the bottom surface of plate I66. The top portion of the magazine cylinder I32 is provided with two upright posts 136 which have two horizontal holes near their ends. These holes form pivot bearings for the bell crank shown in Fig. 20.

The bell crank I22, I28, I24, I34, which gives horizontal reciprocating motion to the shuttle 131 of Figs. 25 and 26, is U-shaped with the two leg ends I28 terminating inwardly, so as to be pivotally received in the holes in the posts i3il attached to the cylinder I32. The loop portion 3 1 of the bellcrank passes below the base plate I64 and between two lugs I36 on the shuttle I31. The other end I 22- of the bellcrank which is connected to the operating rod H6 is also formed in a U-shape, with its leg ends joined to legs I24, substantially at right angles to the leg ends I24.

The shuttle I31, Figs. 25 and 26, consists of an assembly of parts held together with assembly bolts I8 1. The pusher plate I14 is somewhat wider than the channel I66 in the lower plate I64, and of a thickness substantially the same as that of a cover disc. This plate I14 has an end recess corresponding nearly to that of a peripheral portion of a cover and is provided with two pressed counter sunk holes I6iii8il for re- 7 ceiving two assembly bolts I84. It is of a length to extend across the opening 15s of the magazine. The guide bar I16 projects forward past the end of the pusher plate I14. This bar I16 is slightly narrower than the channel I66 in the base plate H14 in which it slides, and has practically the same thickness as the plate Ill-4. The counter sunk portion of the pusher plate I14 interlocks with the countersinks I66 of the guide bar I16. The stay plate I18 is substantially the same width and thickness as the pusher plate I14 is and shorter. of which consists of a square bar provided with a hole through its center with dimensions that will be obvious later. The lugs I36-i36 fit below the stay plate I18 and the assembly is held together with two assembly bolts i84-i6t as shown in cross section, Fig. 25. The two holes are spaced distance apart so that the two lugs will accommodate the lower portion I3 i of the bellcrank with little clearance. The length of the lugs i36-I36 is slightly longer than the height of the segment of the are made by the movement of the bell crank.

From the foregoing, it will be plain that when the shuttle I31 is in a rearward position, there will be a passage for a cover disc through the magazine I32, then forward between the base plate I64 and the top plate I66 and between the straight sides of the spacer plate I62 to the circular opening H16 in the base plate, and that Two lugs I36 are provided each the forward movement of the shuttle I31 will cause the individual movement of the cover discs accordingly.

In order to retain the cover disc, after it is positioned under the cover plunger I40, I provide a retainer spring I54, that attaches under the assembly bolt and lockwasher I56, by the eye turned in the end. The other end of the retainer spring I54 is turned downwardly at right angles to the surface of the top plate I00, and through a hole I52 in same. The hole coincides with the two recesses I64, one in the spac r plate I92 and the other in the base plate I04, and permits the inward tension of the retainer spring I54 to contact the edge of the cover disc.

In order that the coverv will enter the top of a container I38, positioned below the cover plunger I40 in exact register, I provid two plates I10 (see Fig. each having guide fingers I12, which attach below the opening I06 in the base plate I04 by the four assembly bolts.

The supporting base 96, of the cover disposer is attached to the table top 80 by a slip head bolt 91. The base 96 consists of a steel plate shaped so that its extremities are turned upward to form supporting legs with their ends turned inwardly forming benches on either side, and to which are attached two of the assembly bolts. The forward edge of the bottom portion of the base 96 is provided with vertical flanges I48 forming a V, which help guide the containers to position in exact alinement with the plunger I40.

The cover disposer, being operated by the actuator rod-pedal assembly, is provided with a connecting means which, while simple in construction, is purposely designed to accomplish several operating functions. As previously mentioned, the necessity of having the cover discs move forward to the position under the cover plunger I40, by the downward movement of the foot pedal 68, the bell crank is so connected that its short end I22 is positioned forward in respect to the pivots atop the magazine. This end having a round horizontal section is provided with a split bearing I26 (see Fig. 8), held in place on the crank by two clamp nuts on th lower end of the operating rod I I6, which rod passes through a slide bearing on the upper end of bracket I Ill. The bearing permits a loosely sliding fit, and the bracket I I4 is detachably connected to the horizontal arm I I2, previously described.

In the operation of the bellcrank i22 -I2- I34, a short are is described by the bearing member I2t, and since the reciprocation of the slide bearing on the end of the bracket lid is in a straight vertical line, oscillation of the operating rod I I6 caused by arcuate movement of bearing member I26, is permitted. The spacer spring I26, cushions the downward pressure of the bracket. The upper spring I I8, acts as a cushion for the pressure occasioned by upward movement. The space between the two springs H3 and I29 is adjusted b means of the two lock nuts I36 on the upper end of the operating rod IIE, as will be explained later.

In the operation of the machine, a movement in each vertical direction Of the foot pedal-actuating rod assembly completes one cycle of operation. The movements in each direction have different functions. The downward movement, expels the confection from the nozzle 36 through the downward action of the pump piston It. The downward movement also seats the covers upon the containers and moves the shuttle to the position back of a cover at the bottom of a stack of covers 'in'the' magazine. The upward movement of the foot treadle and associated parts raises the piston I4, recharging the pump cylinder 4, and also moves the shuttle I31 forward, disposing a cover under the cover plunger I40.

The energy necessary to complete an operating cycle is supplied by pressing the foot pedal. It is obvious that this is a single direction movement and forms one half cycle of operation. Therefore, part of the energy supplied to the first half cycle must be stored up for operating the second half cycle. The force required to operate the actuating rod is fairly constant throughout the length of its movement. Therefore, in order that the upward movement of the treadle may not depend wholly upon the tension of spring 74, which lessens or grows weaker as it closes, I provide an auxiliary spring actuating means which comprises a bellcrank lever 84, the apex v86 of which is pivoted to the frame below the lowermost position reached by the bracket 92. The arm 32 of the bellcrank lever is connected to the framework of the table b the coil spring IS. The consequent leverage supplies a reciprocating force equal to the needs of the reciprocating movement.

The limits of the movement of the actuator rod 44 are determined by the stop I! attached to the bottom of crossmember of the leg, and the upper stop member I9, above the adjustable stop bolt 94 which contacts it on its upward movement. The stop bolt is vertically supported in a socket or bearing, attached to the side of the bracket 92 which is directly beneath the stop member I9.

In the operation of the machine the quantity dispensed depends upon the length of the dispensing pump stroke and is selectively determined by adjusting the length of the stop bolt 94. The length of the movement of the actuator rod 44-42 is necessarily longer than the movement required to operate the cover disposer, therefore, a space is provided between the spacer springs on the operating rod IIG of the cover disposer, to allow for the difference. The upper spring I I8 is normally slightly compressed when the actuator rod 45 is in its uppermost position which is the normal idle position. When an adjustment is made so as to regulate or change the dispensing stroke, by the adjustment of the stop bolt 54, a corresponding adjustment is made with the locknuts I38 on the top of the cover disposer operating rod I I6.

From the above description, it will be seen that the operating movements are as follows: The operator removes a container from a cup dispenser and holds it beneath the orifice 38 of dispensing nozzle 36 and presses on the foot pedal 68. With that movement the container will be filled and the shuttle I31 will move to a position back of the opening I06 in the cover magazine. As the pressure upon the foot pedal 68 is released the reciprocating rod assembly 44 and 42 will return to its original position completing the operating cycle. At the same time the operator releases the filled container held in his right hand and grasps the second. Simultaneously he grasps the filled container with his left hand and places it against the guide flanges on the cover disposer base beneath the cover plunger I40. During the upward reciprocating movement, the pump will be recharged and the shuttle I37 will push a cover disc to position beneath the cover plunger I40. As the operation is repeated the first cona se -242 tain'er will be capp'ed andthe second one will be r filled.

.It-isto-be :understood that the form of my in- -ventionherewith shown 'and' described; is to be taken. as a preferred example of the same, and that various 'changes in" size,-shape .and arrangement :of parts may "be resorted without departing fromtherspirit of my inventionor the scope of i the appended claims.

I amawarethat thepresent application incorporatessome features revealedin my previous patent (2,279,923).

Improvements included in 'the present application relate to the actuator rod 'androllergu'ides, the dispensing pump valves; the-cover disposer, I the operating connections, and 'the arrangement of synchronized operating movements.

"Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1; In a filling and'capp'ing machine the combination of a hopper; piston means to force semiliquid material out of said hopperinto a container, means to'position a cover above a container and plunger-means'to'seat a cover upon a container, said plun'gerand piston means'being actuated simultaneously, such piston means being actuated to'force'the'material out of said hopper andisuch plunger means being actuated to seat a cover upon a container by a common "means moving in one direction, and such cover position ing means being actuated by movement of said common means in an opposite direction.

2. A dispensing nozzle for afilling machine comprising a receiving chamber that is substantially hemispherical in contourwith the axis of the hemisphere extending vertically, a substantially horizontally extending tubular Wall .connect'edto said receiving chamber and a discharge orificelocated in th'elower portion of said tubular wall at a point remote from said hemispherical chamber, thediameter-ofsaidtubular wall being less than the diameter of said hemispherical chamber, said tubularwall terminating in an end opening, and a clean-out plugclosingsaid-openmg.

3. A dispensing nozzle for, a filling machine comprising a receiving chamber. that issubstantially-hemispherical in contour with theaxis of the hemisphere extending vertically, a, substantially horizontally extending tubular wall connected tosaid receiving chamber and a discharge orifice located in said tubular wall at a point remote. from said hemispherical chamber, the diameter of said tubular wall being less than the diameter of said hemispherical .-chamber,- said tubular wall terminating inanend opening-that is closed by a clean-out plug.

4. In a filling and capping machine the combination of ahopper, piston means to force semiliquidmaterial out ofsaid hopper into a container, means to position a, cover above acontainer and plunger means to seat a cover upon a container, said plunger and piston means being actuated simultaneously by a common means, said common means including a vertically extending rod, means connecting said plunger and piston means to said rod, said rod being embraced by adjustable roller guides whereby exact movement of the plunger and piston means is obtained.

5. In a machine for filling containers with a semi-liquid material such as ice cream or the like, a hopper, a feed cylinder depending from said hopper, the lower end of said feed cylinder having a head removably secured thereto and a dis,

charge nozzleremovablysecured to saidehead,

-'said discharge nozzle comprising a receiving chamber that is substantially hemispherical in contour with the axis of the hemisphere extending vertically, a substantially horizontally extending tubular wall connected 'to said receiving chamber and a discharge orifice located in said tubular wall at a-point remote from said hemispherical chamber, the diameter of said tubular plug, said cylinder having a piston therein'and a piston rod connected to said piston by means of a bail, 'wherebysaid rod can move with respect to piston the piston having an opening therein adapted "to be'closed by-the end of said piston rod and said head having a one-Way valve therein permitting said material to' pass i into said nozzle and be dispensed therefrom by the action of said piston.

6; In a machine for filling containers-with a sem'i liquidmaterial such as ice cream or the like, ahopper, a feed cylinder depending from said hopper, the lower end ofsaid feed cylinder having a head secured theretoand a discharge nozzle' secured to said head, said discharge nozzle comprising a receiving chamber that is substantially-hemispherical incontour with the axis of the hemisphere extending vertically, a substantially horizontally extending tubular wall connected to said receiving chamber and a discharge orifice located in said tubular wall at a point'remote from said hemispherical chamber, the diameter of said tubular Well being less'than the diameter of said hemispherical chamber, said tubularwall terminating in an end opening that is closed by a clean-out plug, said cylinder having a piston therein and a piston rod connected to said piston'by' means Of a bail, whereby said rod can move with respect to piston, the piston having an opening therein adapted to be closed'by the endof said piston rod andsaid head r having a one-way valve therein permitting said material to pass into said nozzle and be dispensed therefrom by the action of said piston, said valve being substantially hemispherical in shape' with its curved surface disposed upwardly.

7. In a confection filling machine, a support, a hopper-arranged above the support and having a'depending cylindrical portion open at its upper andlowerends, a piston operating within. the cylindrical portion, valves for controlling the flow of the confection from the hopper including a lower valve seating upwardly against-the cylindrical .por.tion,.and an upper valve operatively attached toa piston operating rod and seating downwardly against the'said piston, a bail-connected to said piston, a bearing supportedby said bail, said rod extending through said bearing and said valve being movable between said piston and said bearing to engage said bearing, an actuator means mounted for vertical reciprocation relative to the support and including a depending tie element connecting with the said piston rod whereby the upward movement of the actuator opens the said upper valve and raises the said piston thereby recharging the cylinder, and

- the downward movement closes the upper valve and moves the piston downward thereby discharging the contents of the cylinder through the said lower valve.

8. In a confection filling machine, a support, a hopp arranged above the support and having a depending cylindrical portion open at its upper and lower ends, a piston comprising an apertured disk operating within the cylindrical portion, an actuator mounted for vertical reciprocation relative to the support and including a depending tie element connecting with a piston operating rod, an adjustable stop means for restricting the stroke of the actuator means to within predetermined limits whereby such restriction will control the quantity of confection to be discharged from the cylinder, valves for controlling the flow of the confection from the hopper including a lower valve seating upwardly against the cylindrical portion, and an upper valve attached to the said piston rod, the said rod being connected to the piston through a slide bearing attached to the piston, and the said upper valve seating downwardly against a removable valve seat insert within the piston, whereby the removal of the said valve seat insert permits the removal of the said valve and piston rod.

9. In a confection filling machine, a support, a hopper arranged above the support and having a depending cylindrical portion open at its upper and lower ends, a piston comprising an apertured disk operating within the cylindrical portion, valves for controlling the flow of the confection from the hopper including a lower valve seating upwardly against the cylindrical portion, and an upper valve operatively attached to and seating downwardly against the said piston, an actuator means mounted for vertical reciprocation relative to the support and including a depending tie element connecting with the said piston, adjustable stop means for restricting the stroke of the actuator means to within predetermined limits thereby controlling the quantity of confection to be discharged from the cylinder, and the said actuator consisting in part of a rod mounted for vertical reciprocation between two sets of roller guides, each set being supported by two adjustable spindles, whereby adjustment is provided for varying the contact between each set of roller guides and the said rod.

10. In a confection filling machine, a support, a hopper arranged above the support and having a depending cylindrical portion open at its upper and lower ends, a piston comprising an apertured disk operating within the cylindrical portion, valves for controlling the flow of the confection from the hopper including an upper valve operatively attached to and seating downwardly against the said piston, an actuator means mounted for vertical reciprocation relative to the support and including a depending tie element connecting with the said piston and valve, spring means normally urging the actuator means to an elevated position for effecting the raising of the valve and piston thereby recharging the cylinder, and the said spring means including a bell crank lever pivoted to the support and hav- Number ing one arm thereof linked to the said actuator means, a coil spring connected to the other arm of the lever and the support respectively, a treadle connected to said rod for moving the latter against the action of the spring, and a, lower valve seating upwardly against a removable cylinder head, an L-shaped nozzle fitted to and held against the said cylinder head and around the said lower valve, whereby the operation of the said actuator will cause the confection to flow around the said lower valve and through the said nozzle and be expelled in a solid mass.

11. In a machine for dispensing material, a feed cylinder and a piston therein, said piston comprising a disk having a central opening the edge of which comprises a valve seat, a bail connected to said disk, a bearing supported by said bail, a piston rod extending through said bearing, said piston rod being movable with respect to said disk, a valve on the end of said piston rod extending through said bearing, said valve seating upon said seat when said piston rod is moved in one direction to close said opening and actuate said piston in said one direction and engaging said bearing to actuate said piston in the opposite direction when the piston rod is moved in said opposite direction, and a one-way valve closing the discharge end of said feed cylinder.

12. In a filling and capping machine the com bination of a hopper, piston means to force semiliquid material out of said hopper into a container, means to position a cover above a container and plunger means to seat a cover upon a container, said plunger and piston means being actuated simultaneously by a common means, said common means including a vertically extending rod, and means connecting said plunger and piston means to said rod.

HENRY W. GRAU.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Perry June 9, 1871 Sheppard Mar. 13, 1883 Thomas Jan. 22, 1839 Devantery Apr. 9, 1901 Valerius May 26, 1908 Bradsley Feb. 2, 1915 Canton May 29, 1923 Davis Dec. 8, 1931 Krause Jan. 7, 1936 Anderson June 21, 1938 Grau Apr. 7, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Netherlands Apr. 17, 1936 Number 

